Tributes paid to retiring Kildare Co Council official

"He gave us a sense of calm," members of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) heard in reference to the retiring meetings administrator Josh Hannigan, at his final meeting on Wednesday 18 December. 

The comment was made by Mayor of the MD, cllr Peggy O'Dwyer, who also singled out his commitment to supporting the elected members and the staff of the MD over the years. 

"You have been a friend who helped us through everything, and we wish you many years of happiness and health in your retirement."

It was just one many tributes paid to Mr Hannigan, who had served as a staff officer with the council for 19 years, almost 15 of them with member services. 

Cllr Suzanne Doyle, who was at the first meeting for which he was administrator, described his career in public service as 'exemplary'. "He is always good-humoured and empathetic, and will be sorely missed," she said.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, on behalf of the Fine Gael group, said he was always there to listen, always very professional. 

"This place is about the people, and today is about him as a person." 

Turning to members of Mr Hannigan's family who were in the public gallery, she thanked them "for sharing him with us."

Cllr Pat Balfe recalled that from his first day in the council, Mr Hannigan had helped make things easy for him. 

"His are a very big pair of shoes to be filled."

Cllr Rob Power, a fellow resident of Caragh, said Mr Hannigan's departure will be very much missed across the board by members and council staff. "When I started here ten years ago, it was very daunting coming into a place where almost a thousand people worked, and the personal touch he brought over the years has been very important to me."

Mr Hannigan's abilities in holding the line on behalf of the institution he served was a key reference from cllr Noel Heavey, who recalled that whenever he had to make an observation relating to members "he did so, but never made anyone feel awkward about it".

It is going to be strange not seeing Mr Hannigan's number popping up on his phone, cllr Chris Pender said, adding that he had made a seriously lasting impact on every councillor who came through during his time. 

"For me, your passion for the Irish language did something none of my secondary school teachers could do, and as a result I will be taking Irish courses in the new year."

Recently elected members of the council also thanked him for his help, including cllrs Tom McDonnell and Brian O'Loughlin. 

"No issue was too small," cllr O'Loughlin noted. "You could always ask him and you got a smile and a valid answer."

For the council's management team, Eileen Hanlon acknowledged his support to Kildare County Council, and for his part Mr Hannigan expressed his thanks to the members for their cooperation and respect, to the management team, staff members, and specifically the meeting secretaries "who do all the work."